How to run Alpha

First

Understand Alpha

Why Alpha?

We believe that everyone should have the chance to explore the Christian faith, ask questions and share their point of view; wherever they are in the world.

Alpha offers the opportunity to do just that – in an informal, friendly and open environment. No one can force anyone to believe anything, we've found over the years that if we express radical hospitality and let guests be themselves, lives will be transformed.

What's the story

Millions of people have tried Alpha in 169 countries, and it has been translated into 112 different languages.

Developed as a short course at HTB London, in 1990 Nicky Gumbel took over running Alpha and found that many people outside of the church wanted to explore the Christian faith. Alpha now runs in every part of the global church, including the Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church and all mainline Protestant denominations.

Alpha is...

Real

Alpha presents the reality of who Jesus is. Those that run Alpha are open and authentic, and this allows guests to be real themselves.

Relational

Alpha is based on real friendships that are built over a few weeks, and often last for years afterwards.

Reliant

On Alpha we are reliant on the Holy Spirit because we realise that it is only God who changes people's lives – we just introduce him.

Then check out

What others say

"Alpha was the best thing I ever did. It helped answer some huge questions and to find a simple empowering faith in my life."

Bear Grylls

Adventurer

"In my opinion Alpha accomplishes an incredible task, in making people interested in faith and in making faith relevant to the modern man."

Father Raniero Cantalamessa

Preacher to the Papal Household

"Alpha aims to help people to either discover or rediscover the meaning and joy of the Christian message. Alpha is an invaluable tool for evangelisation."

Alfred Martins

Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Nigeria

Last

Here are 5 steps to get started

Get Trained

You can watch online training videos that answer the most common questions about food, atmosphere, promotion and all the practicalities of running Alpha. Create an account on our Courses System and register your Alpha to see the videos, or check out Alpha Basics to learn more about preparing to run Alpha. Download Alpha Basics > Register your Alpha >

Plan and prepare

A few key questions to ask are: Where will I run my Alpha? What dates will work best? What start time will work best for the people we invite? Once you’ve registered your Alpha you’ll have access to an easy scheduling tool to help you plan your talks, work around holidays and share the schedule with your team.

Build and train your team

One of the essential parts of running Alpha is having a great team. Whatever the size of your Alpha, make sure you pick the best possible people to help and support you. After you’ve gathered a team, make sure they get trained too.

Spread the word

Once you’ve got everything planned and got your team together, think about how to spread the word. Think through how to encourage people to invite their friends, and how to promote your Alpha in the local community.